Project Prospect Interview #3: Connor Goedert, Houston Astros

Welcome back to another Project Farm System interview with Justin David Kish on 365SportsNetwork. Today I had the opportunity to interview Houston Astros third baseman Conor Goedert. Conor Goedert was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Neosho County Community College. During his College Baseball career he led the Neosho Baseball team in runs batted in, doubles and home runs in his first season with the team. Following his baseball career at Neosho he would later land with the Astros beginning his road to the Major Leagues.

Enjoy the interview with Houston Astros third baseman, Connor Goedert.

Justin David Kish: First off I want to say thank you for your time Connor to do the interview with us for the site, how are things going for you today?

Connor Goedert: Going well and thanks for having me.

Justin David Kish: Take us back to where baseball was first brought to your attention?

Connor Goedert: As early as I can remember growing up in Concordia, KS. I just remember my dad loading up the old jeep and taking my 3 older brothers and I out to practice. He would hit us all ground balls and throw BP to all of us.

Justin David Kish: Growing up in Ottawa, Kansas there is no team in the state of Kansas. What was your favorite team growing up and who was your baseball hero?

Connor Goedert: I actually grew up in Concordia and graduated high school from Ottawa. I am a Royals and Chiefs fan. Most people in Kansas are. I liked guys like Chipper Jones and Mike Sweeney. My oldest brother played 9 professional seasons and I always loved following and watching his games.

Justin David Kish: What was your Little League Baseball experience like?

Connor Goedert: It was a small town Kansas league so everybody knew everybody. Which was fun because it seemed more competitive that way.

Justin David Kish: During your high school days at Ottawa High School your baseball career was out of this world where you hold records to this day for most hits, doubles and home runs. How does it feel to be in the record books and be one of the greatest baseball players at your school?

Connor Goedert: It is a good feeling. There were a lot of great baseball players that came through Ottawa. I was fortunate to have great coaches and administrators at Ottawa to help me out. As well as my family.

Justin David Kish: Outside of winning awards and being 2x All-State, tell us about your time with the Ottawa High School Baseball team?

Connor Goedert: I actually moved to Ottawa the summer after my freshman year from Concordia. I was fortunate to move to a town with great coaches and a successful baseball program. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun.

Justin David Kish: You have awards and the records but to you what was your favorite memory with Ottawa High School?

Connor Goedert: Probably some memories I shouldn’t mention haha. But, I would say just being able to play with a great group of guys and the state tournament.

Justin David Kish: Before moving onto College Baseball what was some advice your high school coaches gave to you?

Connor Goedert: It sounds cliché but it’s true. He just said to be myself, relax and have fun.

Justin David Kish: Now you committed to play baseball at Neosho Community College, you played in all 63-games for the school and to compliment that you hit .326 while leading the team with 51 RBI’s, 22 doubles and 11 home runs. What was your College Baseball experience like?

Connor Goedert: It was definitely a transition. In high school I played football, basketball and baseball. So I had never played baseball all year round before. I needed to make some adjustments and with the help of my coaches that is what I did.

Justin David Kish: At this point it is 2013, you worked out with the Pittsburgh Pirates AAA affiliate, Indianapolis Indians. You would later end up being drafted by the Pirates in the 2013 MLB Draft in the 34th round. What was it like working with the Indians and why did you decide to return to college following the 2013 draft?

Connor Goedert: I actually never worked out with the Indianapolis Indians. My brother played for their AAA affiliate that year. I had a great scout that drafted me and it was very exciting but my parents and I decided it was best to go back to school.

Justin David Kish: A year later you improved in a lot of area’s in your game and you were drafted in the 15th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. What was different about the draft process in 2014 than in 2013?

Connor Goedert: In 2014 I felt much more mature physically and mentally. Also, I had gotten a lot better. Whereas, my freshman year I felt very raw and not as confident.

Justin David Kish: You officially signed your first ever pro contract with the Houston Astros, what was it like signing the contract to begin your Road to the Show?

Connor Goedert: Kind of surreal. There is a lot of guys that wish they had this opportunity. So, I am very fortunate.

Justin David Kish: After signing your first professional contract next you were later assigned to your first minor league assignment, how were you were notified?

Connor Goedert: My scout had notified me when I was drafted that I would be going to our rookie league affiliate the Greeneville Astros.

Justin David Kish: You spent the last couple of seasons with Greeneville Astros. What was your transition like from playing College Baseball to Minor League Baseball?

Connor Goedert: I had a tough year my first season. I learned how much of a grind it truly is. But, I learned a lot and got bigger and stronger during my first off season and it showed my next season.

Justin David Kish: You have played all around the diamond for quite sometime have you found a permanent position yet?

Connor Goedert: I have now been playing mostly 1B and getting quite a bit of time in LF.

Justin David Kish: It is currently 2016, the 2016 season for Minor League Baseball is right around the corner, what are you currently working on to improve yourself this season?

Connor Goedert: I am currently trying to have more consistent at bats. As well as refining my defensive skills in the outfield and first base.

Justin David Kish: What are your expectations for yourself heading into the 2016 season?

Connor Goedert: Just to build off of last season. Take it day by day and only worry about what I can control. Just have a lot of fun.

Justin David Kish: Before we let you go I want to ask you, if you could compare yourself to any current MLB player right now who would you compare yourself to and why?

Connor Goedert: I’m not quite sure who I would compare myself too. But, when watching and emulating guys swings, I like to watch Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitski and Ryan Braun.

Justin David Kish: Lastly, what advice can you give to any aspiring high school and college baseball players wanting to play baseball at the next level?

Connor Goedert: Always play like somebody is watching. You never know when a scout of whoever it might be will see you play.

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I am the owner, radio host and lead writer of NexusSportsNetwork.com. I am media credentialed writer for many sports leagues and promotions worldwide. My primary writing focus is in Mixed Martial Arts and all levels of football. If you are interested in writing email me: JustinKish@NexusSportsNetwork.com